It’s an art-filled summer around the West.
Through September 17
Women by Will
Works on paper, first edition books and memorabilia depicting women and girls by Joseph Ernest Nephtali Dufault, aka celebrated author and cowboy artist Will James, comprise this exhibition, including more than 30 never-before-exhibited drawings of cowgirls and rugged frontier women shooting rifles, riding broncs, posing on log fences, and strolling down city streets. Like all of James’ work, these drawings combine Western myth with the artist’s personal experience. James’ male characters often bear his likeness, and many of the women are based on his wife, Alice. Yellowstone Art Museum, Billings, Montana, 406.256.6804, artmuseum.org
Through September 26
All at Once: The Gift of Navajo Weaving
Featuring more than 40 textiles from leading contemporary Navajo weavers such as Marlowe Katoney, Marilou Schultz, and sisters Barbara Teller and Lynda Teller Pete, this exhibit includes personal statements from the artists. In their own words, the weavers share their sources of inspiration and the way family heritage, technique, materials, and knowledge have built up over generations of learning to come together “all at once” under the weaver’s hand. Heard Museum, Phoenix, 620.252.8840, heard.org
Through January 3, 2022
Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants
While our nation continues to grapple with the complexities of immigration policy, former President George W. Bush puts viewers face-to-face with America’s immigrants and their stories, spotlighting their inspiring journeys and the contributions they make to the life and prosperity of our nation. This exhibition of 43 four-color portraits — personally painted by the president — reminds us of the ways America has been strengthened by people who have come here in search of a better life. The title of the exhibit and the accompanying book was inspired by the Great Seal of the United States: E Pluribus Unum, which has declared for generations “out of many, one.” George W. Bush Presidential Center, Dallas, 214.200.4300, bushcenter.org
July 2 – 4, 9 – 11, 16 – 18, 23 – 25
Heritage Festival and Native Arts Market
After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Heritage Festival returns, not as three separate festivals, but as a month-long celebration of all Native cultures of the Colorado Plateau. The festival will be split into the art market, main-stage performances, and humanities-based presentations. The market will be welcoming not just Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni artists, but artists from the Acoma, Havasupai, Hualapai, Yavapai-Apache, and other Northern Apache tribes. A different group of artists will be featured each weekend, keeping attendance within safe, socially-distanced guidelines. Main-stage performances will be livestreamed through the museum’s Facebook page (facebook.com/musnaz). Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, Arizona, 928.774.5211 ext. 267, musnaz.org
July 7 – 18
International Folk Arts Market
After making adjustments to accommodate COVID safe practices, the world’s largest international folk-art festival returns with unique textiles, jewelry, basketry, rugs, and other art objects by 120 master artists from more than 40 countries around the world. The event is more than just a treasure trove to explore: Each year it generates revenue that helps sustain entire communities, with market activities having touched an estimated 1.3 million lives worldwide to date. Museum Hill, Santa Fe, 505.992.7600, folkartmarket.org
July 7 – September 3
Pageant of the Masters
In Made in America: Trailblazing Artists and Their Stories, pageant patrons will meet the artists who not only made America their home but let their creativity be inspired by the liberties upon which our nation was founded. Among the famous artworks to be showcased in two acts filled with multiple tableaux vivants are Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, Winslow Homer’s Breezing Up (A Far Wind), and Dorothea Lange’s Family on the Road. A concurrent fine arts show featuring more than 100 of Orange County’s top artists opens on the grounds July 5 in an open-air gallery setting. Irvine Bowl, Laguna Beach, California, 800.487.3378, foapom.com
July 10
Native POP: People of the Plains — A Gathering of Arts and Culture
This juried Native fine art show and cultural celebration features original artwork by Native visual artists focusing on Great Plains culture, as well as performing artists, a fashion show, and a Native film showcase. A ticket is required to preview the art and meet the artists at an awards presentation and reception at the Dahl Arts Center on July 9. Main Street Square, Rapid City, South Dakota, 605.863.0989, nativepop.org
July 16 – 18
Arts in the Park
One of the longest-running arts and music festivals in northwest Montana, this annual three-day event features original artwork by about 70 juried artists and craftsmen. The benefit for Hockaday Museum of Art also includes artist demonstrations, children’s activities, live music and entertainment, food vendors, and a beer garden. Depot Park Square, Kalispell, Montana, 406.755.5268, hockadaymuseum.org
July 21 – August 4
Bellevue Arts Museum Fair
This normally three-day invitation-only juried arts and crafts fair will celebrate its 75th year in virtual form this year with 130 artists offering unique handmade items. Artwork includes glass, metalwork, mixed media, jewelry, drawings and pastels, ceramics, and paintings. In place of the usual Kids Fair festivities, this year the museum is giving away 2,000 free craft kits at Kids Fair to Go, July 23 – 25, in front of the museum. Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue, Washington, 425.519.0770, bellevuearts.org
July 22 – August 15
Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show & Sale
This annual event includes an opening-night ticketed reception at the governor’s residence, live music, and dinner. The exhibit features artworks by more than 50 top Western artists working in canvas, wood, alabaster, and bronze. Cheyenne Frontier Days runs July 23 – August 1. All art remains on view in the museum’s Carriage Hall through August 15. CFD Old West Museum, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 307.778.7289, cfdartshow.com
July 23 – 25
Art Fair Jackson Hole
Now in its 56th year, this juried outdoor fair features national as well as local artists selling fine art and crafts that include jewelry, paintings, ceramics, photography, furniture, and more. Food vendors, youth activities, and crafts add to the festivities. All proceeds benefit the Art Association’s art education and outreach programs. Jackson Elementary Field, Jackson, Wyoming, 307.733.6379, artassociation.org/art-fair
July 31
The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction
For more than 35 years, this auction has offered high quality artworks by past masters and outstanding contemporary artists. Oscar Berninghaus, Frederic Remington, C.M. Russell, Frank Tenney Johnson, Walter Ufer, Eanger Irving Couse, Carl Oscar Borg, John Clymer, and Tom Lovell are among the featured artists in this year’s auction of high-end Western American paintings. To see a partial catalog of the auction, click here. Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, Nevada, 208.772.9009, cdaartauction.com
August 6 – 8
Park City Kimball Arts Festival
Utah’s longest-running visual-arts festival, this event draws art enthusiasts each summer for three days of inspiration courtesy of artists across 12 disciplines offering quality works for sale. The gallery stroll, Festival After Dark activities, and food trucks shouldn’t be missed. An interactive kids’ area allows young ones their own space to be creative. Historic Main Street, Park City, Utah, 435.649.8882, parkcitykimballartsfestival.org
August 6 – 8
Sculpture in the Park
Recognized as “one of the 20 must-see contemporary art sites” in America, Benson Sculpture Garden again hosts the largest outdoor juried sculpture show in the country. This year visitors can view and purchase more than 2,000 pieces of sculpture by approximately 160 artists from around the nation. Benson Sculpture Garden, Loveland, Colorado, 970.663.2940, sculptureinthepark.org
August 6 – September 26
Hold Your Horses! Invitational Exhibition & Sale
Western artist Marlin Rotach, the 2020 Peoples’ Choice winner for his painting Buck and a Quarter and 2021 Featured Artist, is one of the 45 artists participating in this year’s Hold Your Horses! show. Among this year’s artists are sculptors Bill Nebeker (CAA) and Al Glann; painters Paul Dykman, Barbara Meikle, and Wei Tai; as well as new artists Kaye Burian, Nancee Jean Busse, and Nathan Solano. Festivities kick off August 6 with an opening night reception complete with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar (ticket required for nonmembers). The sale starts that night and runs through the end of the show; the exhibition opens to the public August 7. All art remains on view through September 26. Phippen Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.778.1385, phippenartmuseum.org
Don Weller, The Buffalo Search, watercolor, 17” x 24”, Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
